What’s In a Name?: High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Corn Sugar

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is one of the most frequently used sweeteners in the food and drink industry. The reason for its popularity is simple: it’s cheaper than cane sugar. HFCS has been used for decades, but a recent change in consumer habits has groups like the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) scrambling for new ideas. Research has revealed the dangers of HFCS consumption and now, more and more people think twice before purchasing products that contain it. According to a Princeton study:

In addition to causing significant weight gain in lab animals, long-term consumption of high-fructose corn syrup also led to abnormal increases in body fat, especially in the abdomen, and a rise in circulating blood fats called triglycerides. The researchers say the work sheds light on the factors contributing to obesity trends in the United States.

As a response to rising concerns about their product, the CRA has asked the Food & Drug Administration to allow them to call HFCS by a new name: “corn sugar.” If you watch TV regularly, you’ve probably seen ads by the CRA and related groups suggesting that we shouldn’t worry so much about HFCS because it’s just another kind of sugar. However, HFCS is absolutely not sugar. It’s made from corn starch that must be altered and chemically bonded to fructose to taste rolex swiss replica sweet. By calling it “corn sugar,” they hope to trick those who might stay away from HFCS for health reasons into buying products that contain it again.

While we’re all better off consuming less of both cane sugar and HFCS, this attempt at deceiving the public and sacrificing society’s health for the sake of profit can’t be allowed to happen unnoticed. That’s why FoundHealth is partnering with Food Identity Theft to help spread this information and share ways we can work together to prevent this from happening. Start here to learn more about the issue. When you’re done there, make your voice heard and contact the FDA and FTC.

Resources:

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/

http://southwestfarmpress.com/government/sugar-farmers-amend-high-fructose-corn-syrup-complaint

http://foodidentitytheft.com/culprits/high-fructose-corn-syrup/